Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/42

36 when he went to bed and was found dead this morning in his berth, an inquest was held, and the verdict was, death from heart disease.

This evening Capt. Small informed the company that we would have fresh beef to-morrow, and that we would more regularly draw our rations hereafter, which caused a hearty laugh and clapping of hands. So on the strength of this beef and regular ration news we eat our homely supper all in good spirits.

Friday, January 8, 1847.—This day is the thirty-second anniversary of the famous battle of New Orleans; the battle took place about five miles below New Orleans. Yes, upon the very field of our encampment. Gen. Edward Packenham with over fifteen thousand well-drilled soldiers attacked Gen. Andrew Jackson's seven thousand raw militia with the full expectation of defeating Gen. Jackson's green militia, and driving them out of the field. Here on this camp-ground a most desperate struggle for liberty ensued, the conflict and its history is before the world, and it is not worth while for me to comment much on it, for we all know that it was one of the most brilliant victories of the whole war of 1812 and 1815. In fact the enemy were so badly defeated at this battle that they never up to this day ever attempted to attack us or even show any sign of an attack. Gens. Packenham and Gibbs were both killed. The very tree under which Gens. Packenham and Gibbs were temporarily buried still stands and shows marks of seeing services, too; over two thousand of the flower of the army of Great Britain were killed upon this camp-ground. All over these fields were strewed the dead soldiers of the British army, while the American army's loss was but seven killed and six wounded.

On the same night of the British defeat Gen. Lambert, the only general left of the British army, embarked with the remaining forces and left for England, and sent word to Gen. Jackson that he, Gen. Lambert, would bother him no more. This glorious victory causes great joy throughout the